Thematic Attributes and Classification

This lecture introduces thematic attributes and classification in geographic information systems, covering topics such as thematic cartography, visual variables, data representation, and data discretization methods. Students will learn about statistical thematic mapping, types of data, quantitative and qualitative variables, and symbolization techniques. The instructor explains the process of creating thematic maps, including the selection of classification methods based on data characteristics. The lecture also delves into the basics of spatial units, data attributes, simplification, and classification. Various methods of data discretization are discussed, such as natural breaks, quantiles, and box maps. The importance of choosing robust class boundaries and the principles of thematic mapping are highlighted.